A Los Angeles couple said they were banned from Disneyland’s private and pricey Club 33. They are suing the park, allegedly saying they were retaliated against for criticizing sexual harassment and other problems that arose as a result of new management.
“There is a waiting list to become a Club 33 member. It’s our belief that new management has been told to force the older members out so they can bring in new members and charge them more with less benefits,” says Sean Macias, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys. “They’re looking for any excuse. If you complain, you’re out. If you’re ill your membership will be suspended.”
Disneyland issued a statement late Thursday in which it said the termination of the couple’s membership was terminated “due to multiple violations of Club 33 rules.”
“Like other private clubs, Club 33 has rules and regulations that address, among other things, member conduct,” the statement said. “All members must abide by these rules and regulations so that all members may enjoy Club 33 benefits without disruption.”
Club 33 is a set of private clubs located in three of the Disney Parks. The original is in the heart of the New Orleans Square section of Disneyland. Originally maintained as a secret feature of Disneyland, the existence of the club is now well known, with similar locations in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland, and new locations coming to Walt Disney World’s four parks. There’s a waiting list to join. Corporate members pay an initiation fee of $50,000, and individual members pay $50,000 in addition to annual dues, which are about $15,000. Strict rules keep the secretive nature of the club intact.
The complaint alleges that new management in 2016 caused a “tattletale atmosphere and … hostile environment” that led to sanctions against the couple for complaining about what they perceived as wrongful treatment of guests.
“When Scott Anderson sent an email to management regarding a member verbally attacking a terminally ill fellow Club 33 member, it was the Andersons who received a suspension letter. The atmosphere has become toxic. It’s a ‘good old boys club’ that’s out of control. The Andersons aren’t the only members who have been targeted. Others are just afraid to speak up.” according to a written statement by the couple’s lawyer.
Attorney Robert E. Reichman said his clients were targeted because of complaints they made to management that included sexual harassment by members against club employees.
“It was more than one employee,” Reichman said. “There was groping, things you would expect from out of control club members.”
He said the Andersons have not decided whether they want to be reinstated to the club, or receive damages.
“They caused a lot of damage to these people, who are lifelong Disneyphiles,” Reichman said. “This is crushing to them.”
According to the suit, the couple was banned from the club and their membership revoked in October, after what they said was a medical issue was treated as a drunken episode.
“Their being kicked out was retaliation for trying to protect employees and be good members of the club,” Reichman said.
Source: Orange County Register
Click here for your free no obligation quote!
Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at whitney@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
